On the hilltop of Sheridan Veterans Park stands Boxley Cabin. It was built in 1828 by a Virginia-born abolitionist, George Boxley, who fled Spotsylvania County, Virginia, after allegedly fomenting a slave rebellion in the winter of 1816. He was jailed while others were hung or worse -- sent South to endure other indignities -- if they lived. Foreseeing a dire outcome, Boxley escaped jail using a spring saw smuggled by his wife, Hannah. He vanished, heading north. But his life as a fugitive meant that he was chased relentlessly by bounty hunters for 12 years.

Today, Sheridan is nestled around that hill and a park spreads itself out to welcome visitors who enjoy the rustic log cabin which rests on its original foundation. From this history flows the heritage of a community of 3,000. Over time, more history gathers, transforming the wilderness refuge area into a town charmed by Main Street and setting the stage for business and industry to flourish.

Where once the pathway of the 1882 Monon Railroad corridor took many trains, with the last whistle going down the tracks by CSX in 1988. That trail now is graced by the Monon greenway pedestrian path. Life was changing. But many residents still claim they hear the sounds of a distant whistle and clank of wheels on rail, a ghost of days gone by.

The Sheridan Historical Society captures time and place as generations turn over and young chase tales, fact and family archives -- all maintained. A community-building archive of history and history-making, the Society is the chronicle of Hoosier town life that blends agriculture with industry. Family histories tended by volunteer genealogists, museum collections and pioneer artifacts, a restored Civil War flag carried in agonizing battles, a drum once used to drill cadence with troops -- all combine with diversity and charm all ages: This is the Sheridan Historical Society.